SMORGON, 5 March (BelTA) – An agreement on cooperation between Grodno Oblast of Belarus and Lvov Oblast and Kherson Oblast of Ukraine will be signed at the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine in Grodno, Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Kravtsov told a press conference for the national and regional mass media on 5 March, BelTA has learned.
“I am confident that the event will add impetus to the cooperation between the two countries. As for Grodno Oblast, we, of course, have our own interests. They are aimed, first of all, at the expansion of economic ties and the search for new partners. Today Ukraine is our third biggest partner in trade that reached $370 million last year. However this potential is still hugely untapped,” Vladimir Kravtsov said. In his words, Grodno Oblast has agreements on cooperation with eight regions of Ukraine. There are plans that agreements will be signed with Lvov Oblast and Kherson Oblast at the forum. Joint projects and cooperation areas are under consideration.
“We expect to welcome many guests of the highest level. It is a great honor for the region. We are gearing up for the event, beautifying the city, repairing roads and considering hotel-related issues,” Vladimir Kravtsov said. Also high on the agenda is the preparation of negotiating platforms for representatives of business, regions of the two countries and also a venue to host a plenary session. The program of the forum will feature an exhibition of products of the two countries and a crafts fair.
The 3rd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine will take place in Grodno in autumn 2020.
Photos by Leonid Shcheglov
